The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed All-Star closer Jason Grilli, who leads the National League in saves, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm.

That could be a big blow for the Bucs as they try to make the playoffs — and finish above .500 — for the first time since 1992. With 30 saves in 31 opportunites and a stellar 0.92 WHIP, the 36-year-old Grilli has been a big part of Pittsburgh's success.

Grilli exited Monday's game against the Washington Nationals with two outs in the ninth inning after making a pitch to Steve Lombardozzi. Vin Mazzaro came in and retired Lombardozzi on a grounder with a runner on second to earn his first career save.

Setup reliever Mark Melancon will assume the closer role in Grilli's absence, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Melancon had 20 saves for the Houston Astros in 2011.